I haven't seen the shop open since this last post. I swung by there today, a fairly windy Saturday in the middle of the season and the shop was closed. Does anyone know what the scoop is? And what are other sailors prefered alternative shops in the bay area. I would prefer to spend my windsurfing "allowance" locally rather than mail order shops.

ASD is pretty much done. John and Bob were doing it as a part time thing over the last few years, but neither one has the time to put in anymore. There have been sightings of John now and then, but no new gear has been ordered and when you do see him he's just trying to sell off the rest of what he's got left over in the shop. No regular hours, no rentals, very sad...

Helm is a shop very near ASD, they carry JP boards and Neil Pryde sails. IMO, the best shop left is Delta Windsurf out on Sherman Island near Rio Vista. They carry a lot of the same brands that ASD did, like North sails and RRD & Mistral boards.

It's a shame about ASD. I'll admit that I think Delta is the best windsurf shop anywhere, bar none, but I always liked John and Bob. I was hoping to pick up a mast from them just this afternoon.

One thing I won't miss though is the Coyote sensor. Of all the sensors in the triangle formed by Sherman, Crissy, and 3rd, I'd say that Coyote bears by far the least semblance to what's actually happening on the water (okay, okay, I forgot about Sierra Point which doesn't seem to reflect any sort of relevant reality, and Alameda since I never go there, but at least it can claim the virtue of accurately reflecting the calm on the water).

I think the best proxy for Coyote is to take the SFO and 3rd Ave channel readings and figure it out from there. Usually far more accurate than looking at the Coyote reading.

Mark,
I think you've been retired too long, time to move out of the van and get back to work! :>)

You are wrong about the Coyote sensor, it is VERY useful, it was sorely missed when it was down for a few weeks. It measures the wind inside very accuratly, which is very important if you want to get outside!!..
I live and work about 35 miles away so it is invaluable to know if I should make the long drive in all that traffic during the week. I was flying blind when it was down.

The Sierra Pt sensor is probably usefull to boaters at Oyster Pt Marina,
remember Wearher Flow caters to boaters as well as w.s.ers. It is somewhat usefull on SE storm wind at the Oyster launch, although SFO seems better but it's only updated every hour.

Well its a bummer about ASD, and a bummer that the best bay area shop is now so far away! Not to be a vulture but if ASD is going to have a going out of business sale, I would really like to know about it. John if your reading this, sorry dude, but shoot me a message so that I can help relieve you of some inventory.
I agree that Coyote sensor has always been very helpful to have a better idea of what's happening at the launch. Use THAT in connection with the SFO and 3rd Ave info and your about as in tune as you can be with out being there. Will the sensor go away now?

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